Bullying

Definition

Bullying is the infliction of repeated attacks, physical, psychological, social or verbal in nature, with the intention of causing distress to others. It can be particularly distressing to draw attention to a person’s physical appearance and/or disability (including those with special educational needs). Bullying is not tolerated at City of London School.

 

Preventative measures

1. Firstly we acknowledge that bullying happens in all schools, including CLS. It is distressing to the victims and represents a problem that has to be addressed seriously.

2. It will be made clear to all boys that bullying is not acceptable. Boys are encouraged to report any incidents to their Form Tutor or any member of staff and these are investigated promptly. We aim to create a climate of trust in which reporting to an adult is the normal response to bullying rather than passive acceptance or violent reaction.

3. A statement on bullying appears in every classroom (see below). Part of the PSHE programme involves anti-bullying education in which the following points will be stressed:

a) What bullying is and how to recognise it.

b) Why it is done and what makes a bully.

c) Who does it - the stereotypes of bullies/understanding the bully.

d) What to do if you are a victim - inform staff, how to avoid it, coping strategies.

4. Professional training is available to promote staff understanding of the problem of bullying.

5. Tutors, duty staff and prefects involved in supervision of boys are all briefed to watch out for signs of bullying. Prefects attached to lower school Forms are instructed to respond quickly to any sign of bullying.

 

Follow up to incidents

1. Allegations of bullying or violence will be investigated initially by a Form Tutor and then, if necessary, in consultation with other Tutors and appropriate Year Heads and ultimately the Second Master.

2. Parents will be alerted where, in the professional judgement of those responsible for the implementation of pastoral policy, the incident is sufficiently serious to warrant such action.

3. Punishments imposed will match the severity of the offence, in accordance with the sanctions policy.

4. In cases where a group or Form are found to be persecuting a boy, not only may punishments be imposed but tactful efforts will be made to identify underlying causes to enable those involved to move towards a better quality of school life.

5. In certain cases recourse may be had to the services of an appropriate professional to help the victim or the bully.

6. If necessary, the Second Master will recommend to the Headmaster that a boy be temporarily or permanently excluded for bullying.

 

BULLYING

All boys at CLS have the right of freedom from bullying.

The bully’s aim is to inflict physical pain or emotional distress through persistent taunting, mockery or intimidation. Bullying is thus different in both kind and degree from minor teasing or the ordinary give-and-take of school life.

Bullies and their victims may be of any age, size or physical strength.

When bullying has taken place, those who know of it, besides the bully and his victim, will probably include other boys and possibly some parents.

It is vital that all who know of bullying should report it to the tutors or any other member of staff who will, if they think fit, pass the information on to Year Heads or, in serious cases, to the Headmaster.

The reporting of bullying, even anonymously, is by no means to be regarded as “grassing”: it is absolutely and always the right thing to do - indeed, it is a duty for every member of the School.

The School’s position is that it regards bullying as entirely unacceptable. This means that a bully can expect, as appropriate, advice, reprimand or punishment. Serious or persistent offence may incur suspension or expulsion.

A concern for others lies at the heart of CLS. Each and every one of us can help to create an atmosphere of friendly co-operation, but a few bullies in our midst can spoil it.

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